Today marks the 40th anniversary of the assasination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He is no stranger to this country or even the world, so therefore I don't have to introduce him to you. It was exactly 40 years ago that this Civil Rights Leader was assasinated by Mr. James Earl Ray. It happened in Memphis, TN at the Lorraine Motel. The night prior to His death, Dr. King delivered his final speech "I've Been To The Mountaintop" to a packed audience at the historical Mason Temple there in Memphis. Mason Temple is the headquarters for the Church of God in Christ denomination. Here is the closing stanza from his farewell speech:"Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord".
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. April 13, 1968 (the day before his assasination)
